I can't say I'm a fan of streamlined steamers, but this is surely an iconic steam locomotive, so for that reason alone it deserves restoration, although I prefer big steam locos with lots of external bits and pieces....

ROANOKE, Va. – Norfolk & Western 4-8-4 No. 611, the homemade streamliner that became famous as one of the greatest steam passenger locomotives ever built, may return to the main line again.

That’s the objective of the “Fire up 611!” committee that the Virginia Museum of Transportation announced Friday. The seven-member panel will study and research what it will take to restore, maintain, and operate the iconic locomotive that pulled N&W varnish and pulled Norfolk Southern excursions. Findings are due within 90 days.

“The Class J 611 locomotive embodies both beauty and power,” Bev Fitzpatrick,Jr., executive director of the Virginia Museum of Transportation, says. “Since her retirement from excursion service in 1994, fans have been clamoring, hoping, and dreaming of a day when she once again blows her whistle and thunders across the landscape.”

The committee will consult with specialists in steam locomotives operations and restoration, technical engineers, and experts on Federal Railroad Administration regulations and safety.

“Before we can promise our 611 fans that she will indeed return to service, we need to know what it will take to fix and maintain her,” he says.